Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he is prepared to travel to Washington and negotiate directly with U.S. President Donald Trump over the new 50% tariff on Brazilian products, provided his passport is returned by Brazilian authorities. Bolsonaro’s document has been held by the Federal Police since February 2024 under a Supreme Court order while he is investigated for alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2022 election result. Speaking to reporters at Brazil’s Senate, the ex-president appealed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to “signal” for the passport’s release, arguing that “those who refuse to talk will pay a high price.” Bolsonaro contended that Brasília risks diplomatic isolation amid Washington’s tougher trade stance, and claimed he could leverage his personal rapport with Trump to secure relief for Brazilian exporters. The comments come as the Supreme Federal Court prepares to begin hearings, expected between August and September, on charges that Bolsonaro led an armed criminal organisation and attempted a coup on 8 January 2023. Prosecutors have requested convictions that could carry lengthy prison terms, making the passport issue politically sensitive. The Lula administration has not responded publicly to Bolsonaro’s request.